I searched the sky eagerly but there was no sign of him. Flicking the long blue panels of my robe aside, I sank upon the cloud. A wide belt was fastened around my waist from which hung my pouch and tassel. The sleeves tapered at my wrists, bound by silk cord, enchanted to hold fast or unwind upon my command. While less flattering than the gown I had worn to the emperor’s banquet, this attire was far better suited to my current needs. Ping’er had helped me craft this garment with deliberate sighs and shakes of her head. I had returned home only briefly to change—keen to avoid my mother and Liwei, and the probing questions they might ask.

The air stirred, a cloud soaring ahead. A white-haired immortal clutching a jade staff stood upon it, with a younger woman beside him, her black hair coiled into a neat bun. I frowned, wishing the Keeper were alone. Stealthily, I tailed them through the skies, landing at the outskirts of a mortal town ringed by a gray stone wall. All was quiet at this late hour, dinners long eaten and beds filled with dreamers.

Leaping to the ground, I followed them at a discreet distance. When they stopped abruptly, I drew back into a cluster of bamboo, their stalks silvered by the moonlight.

“Who are you? Immortals are forbidden from coming here without good cause.” The Keeper of Mortal Fates’ tone rang with reprimand.

I stepped out, cupping my hands before me and bowing from my waist. “Honored Teacher.” While he had not taught me for a long time, this bond linked us forever.

“Xingyin?” He spoke slowly, fragmenting my name. “Why are you here? Where is His Highness? Many are concerned for him.”

I recalled the dense silence when Liwei had knelt before the thrones. “Perhaps they should have spoken up when it mattered.”

“That is unfair. Only a year has passed since you left the Celestial Kingdom, surely you have not forgotten how things are there.” His tone was stern, as though he were instructing me once more. “Who can challenge His Celestial Majesty without fear of repercussion? Would it have changed anything if another spoke up, or merely stirred the emperor’s wrath? Do not scorn those who bide their time, awaiting the right opportunity to act. Not all battles are won at the point of a sword, nor are they decided at the first strike.”

I dropped my head. “Forgive me. I spoke rashly.”

The Keeper sighed. “Please inform His Highness that while the predators are circling, there are many who would support him upon his return. Bear in mind, His Highness is most vulnerable when absent.”